European Conference on “Enhancing the Attractiveness of European Universities as a Destination for World-Class Researchers” in Barcelona, Spain

The main goal of the conference will be to offer a platform for the debate and exchange of ideas on those strategies and good practices that can enable attracting and retaining the top researchers in the world, encourage competition and reward excellence (particularly through the maximization of resources and autonomy). A specific focus will be given to the EU added value of ERC’s competitions, in particular as a benchmark for European universities and national/regional research and innovation systems and as a driver for policy and practices reforms. Lastly, as an inspirational target for top researchers, attention will be paid to the impact on ERC grant-holder careers.

Speakers include Helga Nowotny (President of the ERC), Donald Dingwell (ERC’s Secretary General), Isabelle Vernos (ERC Scientific Council), Elena-Simona Toma (ERC representative), Alexis-Michel Mugabushaka (ERC representative), Octavi Quintana (Director ERA, European Commission), Teresa Riera (European Parliament, ITRE Committee), Helena Nazaré (President EUA), Carmen Vela (Secretary of State for R&D and Innovation, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness), Andreu Mas Colell (Catalan Minister of Economy and Knowledge), Josep Joan Moreso (Rector UPF), José García Montalvo (Vice-Rector Scientific Policy UPF), Philippe Gillet (Vice-President for Academic Affairs, EPFL), Ulrich Pohl (Vice-President for International Affairs., LMU), among others.

If you are interested in attending, please save the date in your agenda. Online registration will open first week of September 2012.